Practice access, March 28

Little more than a week into spring practice, UTSA is starting to settle into a groove.

Practice tempo is improved over what we’ve seen in past years, and the offensive production at the end of Wednesday’s workout was light years ahead of Saturday’s scrimmage (which, to be fair, was conducted less than a week after the first practice, and roughly five months after the season finale).

Both coordinators spoke at the end of respective on the progress their respective units are making. An interesting contrast: While Neal Neathery’s defense has begun to implement more exotic blitzes, with safeties rushing and linemen dropping into coverage, rookie offensive coordinator Kevin Brown said his group is in the process of reinstalling the entire scheme, which is apparently common practice at many schools.

“We’ve got about a fourth of the offense in,” Brown said. “It’s the base stuff, and we’re going to do that right before we move on. In the spring, we start from scratch and re-teach everything. We’ll get all of it in before the spring is over.”

Said Neathery, “We were very simple last year. You’re always walking that line. You want to do as much as you can, but you want to be good at what you do. We’re trying to find out what that is. I think we’re a year away from doing as much as we want to do.”

On to the general breakdowns: Not surprisingly, Neathery said the front and linebackers Steven Kurfehs and Brandon Reeves have been the biggest strengths of the defensive unit. Jason Neill is “much improved” as end, and Dominique Henderson, who has been a disappointment during his two seasons at UTSA, is showing flashes of maturing. The position has also been fortified by Lekenwic Haynes, who switched from safety, and walk-on Jarron Harris, a player Neathery went out of his way to praise.

The interior rotation appears set with Ashaad Mabry, Ferrington Macon, Richard Burge and Franky Anaya, as are Kurfehs and Reeves at linebacker. “They’re excellent,” Neathery said of his incumbent starters. “They’re really sharp. Those guys know what they’re doing.” He said junior college transfer Brandon Guerrero has the physical tools but needs time to absorb the system, while Cody Rogers leads a strong group of reserves. “I feel like we’ve got six good linebackers,” Neathery said.

The secondary isn’t nearly as settled with injuries to safety Nic Johnston, who will miss the entire spring, and cornerback Darrien Starling. Neathery said Mauricio Sanchez, who struggled at times in coverage, has looked strong since moving from rover to fill in for Johnston at the dog safety. “It’s great experience for him,” he said. “He’ll eventually be able to play all three positions, which is what you want.” Neathery also praised Triston Wade, the replacement for Mark Waters at free safety, and transfer Brian King, who like Guerrero is lagging mentally but is physically gifted. “Brian King is a hit,” Neathery said.

While cornerback is hobbled with Starling’s absence, Neathery reserved perhaps the biggest compliments of all for incumbent starter Erik Brown. “He looks excellent,” he said. “He’s playing, really well.” While there’s a drop off after he and Startling, Neathery said the addition of three more signees this fall should fortify the position.

Over on offense, incumbent starter Eric Soza — described as “solid” by Brown — appears to remain in control at quarterback despite competition from transfer Tucker Carter and, much to the delight of message board posters everywhere, Ryan Polite. “That’s been a pleasant surprise,” Brown said.

Despite praising Evans Okotcha (who will split time at tailback and halfback), David Glasco II and Brandon Armstrong at running back, Brown and position coach Polo Gutierrez both reverted back to last year’s “by committee” speak, so it doesn’t appear that any have grabbed hold of the position as had been hoped. (Paging Marcus Wright.)

Up front, Brown singled out center Nate Leonard, guard Scott Inskeep and, surprisingly, Josh Walker, who is apparently pushing for time at tackle. “He’s getting some reps with the 1s,” Brown said.

Wide receiver has been hardest hit of all with Kam Jones, Sean Hesler and Brandon Freeman all limited by nagging injuries. That’s opened up extra opportunities for players like Earon Holmes and Kenny Harrison. Marcellus Mack also had an outrageous catch (see below) during Wednesday’s scrimmage work. David Morgan has also been forced to the sideline at tight end, where Jeremiah Moeller and Jordan Gray are picking up the slack. Gray remains a project after switching from quarterback in high school and sitting out last season. “It’s going to be a transiation,” Brown said, “but the good thing about Jordan is he wants to do right.”

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The offense enjoyed a far more crisp and productive morning during an informal series of plays near the end of the morning, in stark contrast to the sloppiness of Saturday’s scrimmage.

Some of the highlights:

* Josiah Monroe, taking the ball on a jet sweep, broke multiple tackles in the backfield for a healthy gain.

* Patrick Hoog sealed off the entire right edge, paving the way for a long run by Glasco.